UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Karthikeyan stays at Williams

Indian 2007 test driver for Williams

Williams have announced the re-signing of Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan as one of the teams test drivers for 2007. This follows from the recent confirmation that current test driver Alex Wurz will race for Williams-Toyota in 2007.

It was Karthikeyan who ran the FW28-Toyota test car at Silverstone recently, and the announcement goes on to say that he will 'continue to spearhead the intensive testing programme into 2007 with the launch of the FW29'.

Narain's experience of Bridgestone tyres, the sole supplier to all teams next season, is also cited as valuable.

Frank Williams explained: “Next year will be an important year for Williams with the transition to Toyota power and so it is now clear that we will be well positioned with the continuity and benefit of Narain’s experience. His appointment is extremely popular within the team because he is hard working, conscientious and capable in the car. It is also significant that Narain carries with him India’s growing Formula One interests, which is very exciting.”

Karthikeyan added: “Naturally as a racing driver, my first priority is to compete, but I would far rather test with a leading team than accept a race seat that offered no real potential to learn and develop. Next season is extremely important for Williams with the new partners at Toyota. Williams is a team that exists only to race and I hope that whatever I can contribute to this ultimate objective will be valued by the team.”

Written: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 09:28:20